Psychosocial support for cosmonauts

Abstract

Based on a meeting with members of the Psychological Support Group for cosmonauts, along with several referenced documents, the author summarizes the Soviet experience in dealing with psychological and interpersonal factors related to long-duration space missions. Cosmonaut selection and training procedures following the principle of "neuropsychological resistance" formulated by F.D. Gorbov. Inflight monitoring uses the macroanalysis of crew speech characteristics as an indicator of psychological state. Psychosocial problems include "asthenia" and interpersonal tension. Support efforts focus on enhancing behavioral and autonomic adaptation, planning flexible work/rest schedules, improving the space station environment, arranging relevant free time activities, and helping crews readjust to Earth postflight. Attention is paid to changes in cosmonaut preferences and sensitivities as the mission progresses. The use of support activities is believed to be positively associated with the health and performance of cosmonaut space crews.